Las Coloradas & Rio Lagartos Biosphere! Transportation from Playa Del Carmen

A Practical Look at the Las Coloradas & Río Lagartos Biosphere Tour from Playa del Carmen

If you’re dreaming of surreal landscapes and wildlife encounters, this full-day tour from Playa del Carmen takes you to Las Coloradas’ famous pink lakes and the Rio Lagartos biosphere reserve. It’s a chance to see nature’s unusual side and get some memorable photos, all wrapped in a manageable 12-hour package. While the price is modest, the experience offers a good balance between breathtaking views and authentic local culture — perfect for curious travelers who don’t mind an early start.

What we particularly like about this trip is the chance to see the vivid pink lakes in person—a sight that seems almost unreal—and the opportunity to sail through mangroves that teem with wildlife like flamingos, herons, and crocodiles. Plus, the included lunch with local seafood adds a tasty touch to the day. That said, one consideration is the additional tax reservation fee in Rio Lagartos, which can feel a bit unexpected if you’re not prepared. Still, for those who enjoy nature, photography, and a bit of adventure, this tour fits well.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a full, active day trip that combines stunning scenery with wildlife watching and cultural insights, all at a budget-friendly price. It’s an excellent option for those staying in Playa del Carmen who are eager to see the natural beauty of the Yucatán without the hassle of planning separate excursions.

Key Points

• Spectacular Views: Witness the iconic pink lakes of Las Coloradas—a surreal landscape perfect for photos.
• Wildlife & Nature: Sail through mangroves with chances to see flamingos, crocodiles, and other birdlife.
• Cultural Touch: Learn about salt production and enjoy fresh seafood prepared by locals.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Transportation, boat ride, lunch, and hotel pickup/drop-off all included.
• Price & Value: At $49, it offers a budget-friendly way to experience these natural wonders.
• Some Extra Fees: Be aware of a $27 USD tax reservation fee in Rio Lagartos, which is not included in the base price.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Stop 1: The Coloradas — A Dreamlike Pink Lake

We love the way this tour starts early, with a 6:30 am pickup from Playa del Carmen. It’s a long day, but the payoff is the chance to see Las Coloradas, a set of pink salt ponds. The color comes from natural mineral deposits combined with algae, creating a landscape that looks almost otherworldly. We’ve seen photos that do it justice, but standing there in person is even better—bright pinks contrasting with the blue sky.

During this stop, you’ll learn about salt harvesting processes — a traditional industry that’s been part of the region for generations. Besides the visual treat, there’s an opportunity for some Mayan mud baths and freshwater swimming, giving you a chance to relax after the photo ops. Expect around 2 hours here, which is enough to soak in the scenery, snap plenty of photos, and understand how this salt lake functions.

Stop 2: Río Lagartos — The Biodiversity Hotspot

After a short drive, we arrive at Río Lagartos, a biosphere reserve that’s famous for its mangroves and diverse birdlife. The boat ride through the mangroves is a highlight, giving you a close-up view of flamingos, herons, and even crocodiles basking in the sun. One reviewer mentioned, “We sailed away through the mangrove of this ecological reserve, we admired the diversity of wildlife… you will see various species in their natural areas.”

In Río Lagartos, you get a taste of local life—villagers often prepare seafood dishes, which you’ll have for lunch. The food is described as delicious, prepared by locals, adding authentic flavor to your experience. Be aware that there’s a $27 USD tax reservation fee to enter the biosphere reserve, which is not included in the main tour price.

The 3-hour stop here offers a chance to relax, observe wildlife, and appreciate the biodiversity of this protected area. It’s especially appealing for birdwatchers and those interested in ecology or simply wanting a peaceful yet lively environment to enjoy.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour is quite comprehensive for the price of $49. Included are hotel pickup and drop-off (from Playa del Carmen), air-conditioned transportation, a boat ride, a box lunch, bottled water, and a visit to the crocodile sanctuary. This makes the day relatively hassle-free, especially for those unfamiliar with the area.

You’ll need to pay an additional tax in Río Lagartos ($27 USD), which is typical for entering protected reserves. Also, beverages in the restaurant are not included, so if you crave a cold drink or extra alcohol, you’ll want to budget accordingly.

Transportation & Group Size

The tour uses a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and can accommodate up to 60 travelers. While this might sound a bit crowded, most reviews suggest the group size is manageable and the guides are attentive. The early start at 6:30 am means you’ll get back late — around 8 pm to 9 pm — but that’s part of the full-day experience.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring swimsuits, towels, and extra clothes in case you want to swim or visit the mud baths.
• Remember to use biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent to protect the environment and yourself.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes—you’re walking and on a boat, so dress for comfort.
• The tour lasts between 12-15 hours, depending on traffic and your departure point, so prepare for a full day.
• Keep some cash or a card handy for the additional reservation tax and any extra beverages or souvenirs.

What the Reviews Say

While most travelers appreciated the stunning visuals and authentic experience, one traveler expressed surprise about the crocodile farm visit, noting it wasn’t explicitly listed. The review clarified that crocodiles are naturally present in the reserve, and this is part of the ecological environment.

Another reviewer praised the delicious seafood lunch and the beautiful views, calling it “an extraordinary adventure.” The small number of reviews suggests a generally positive experience but advises travelers to be aware of the extra fees and the long day.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a blend of breathtaking scenery, wildlife encounters, and cultural insights. If you’re a photography enthusiast, the pink lakes and birdlife make for incredible shots. Nature lovers will appreciate the boat ride through mangroves, while those interested in local industry will find the salt production process fascinating.

If you’re on a budget, the tour offers a lot of value — transportation, guided visits, and lunch — for a reasonable price. However, be prepared for an early start and a busy day. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy active days out and don’t mind paying a small extra fee for reserve entry.

The Las Coloradas & Río Lagartos Biosphere Tour offers a compelling look at some of the Yucatán’s most striking natural wonders, wrapped up in a well-organized package. For those who want a memorable, Instagram-worthy experience combined with learning about local ecosystems, this trip hits the mark.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are provided from Playa del Carmen, making the start and end of the day convenient.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, but depending on traffic and your location, it can extend up to 14-15 hours.

What should I bring?
Bring swimsuits, towels, extra clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes. Photos are encouraged; don’t forget your camera.

Are meals included?
Yes, a boxed lunch and bottled water are included, with a lunch dish to choose. Beverages in the restaurant are additional.

How much is the tax reservation fee?
You’ll need to pay a $27 USD fee in Río Lagartos to enter the biosphere reserve, which is separate from the tour price.

Can I expect to see wildlife?
Yes, the boat ride through mangroves offers opportunities to see flamingos, herons, eagles, and crocodiles in their natural habitat.

Is the boat ride comfortable?
Most reviews describe the boat ride as enjoyable, with good views of the wildlife and scenery.

How many people are on the tour?
The tour can host up to 60 travelers, but group sizes are generally manageable, and guides are attentive.

In summary, this tour is a solid choice for those eager to see the vivid pink lakes and diverse wildlife of the Yucatán with minimal fuss. It combines natural beauty, local culture, and a full day of adventure — making it a worthwhile outing for travelers staying in Playa del Carmen.